FLETCHER GETS SHERIFFS’ GROUP ENDORSEMENT

San Diego 
Mayoral contender Nathan Fletcher boosted his law enforcement credentials Friday with the announcement that the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County is endorsing him.

The group represents more than 2,000 sworn deputies. Fletcher, a former assemblyman who is running in a Nov. 19 special election to replace former Mayor Bob Filner, already has the backing of the San Diego Police Officers Association, as well as groups representing county probation officers, deputy city attorneys, city lifeguards and city firefighters.

He’s facing off against City Council members Kevin Faulconer and David Alvarez and former City Attorney Mike Aguirre.

“San Diego’s mayor plays a major role in setting the agenda for our region, and we want a strong, effective leader who will make keeping our citizens safe a top priority,” said Sheriffs’ Association President Matt Clay. “No other candidate has this level of demonstrated commitment to public safety. We’re proud to endorse Nathan Fletcher for mayor of San Diego.”

Fletcher, who has released a plan for rebuilding the San Diego Police Department, is also known for having authored Chelsea’s Law, which includes a one-strike provision for sexual predators who violently attack children, and provides for better monitoring and treatment for sex offenders.

Meanwhile, Faulconer released a “Transparency First” plan he would enact as mayor.

He would establish an “open data” policy, modernize the city’s website, commission an independent review of the city’s public records, appoint a transparency and open government task force and streamline operations to allow the open government director to work directly with the city clerk, communications staff, public records coordinator and IT department.